ANOITING OF THE SICK

PART OF SEVEN SACRAMENTS SERIES

Photo: Mike Silver / Pinterest

Author: Ken Klark L. Flores

Introduction

Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament that brings spiritual strength, comfort, and healing. But what can one expect from this sacred ritual? Will it lead to a miracle? Or is it a deeper, more spiritual healing?

Origins

The anointing of the sick originated from Jesus' healing ministry and was practiced by his apostles, as described in the Gospels and the Letter of James. In the New Testament, the apostles anointed the sick with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith was said to save them and forgive their sins. Over time, particularly during the Middle Ages, the sacrament evolved and became known as "Extreme Unction" and was reserved for those at the point of death. However, the Second Vatican Council renamed it "Anointing of the Sick" and affirmed that it is for anyone who is seriously ill or elderly, not just those at the moment of death (Catholic Answers, 2018).

The primary biblical source is James 5:14-15, which explicitly commands praying over the sick and anointing them with oil. While Matthew 4:23 shows Jesus's general ministry of healing all diseases, the specific ritual of anointing with oil and prayer is detailed later in the New Testament, particularly in the Epistle of James ‌(BibleRef.com, 2020).

Concept and Teaching

In the Catholic Church, the Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament where a priest anoints a sick person with blessed oil, providing spiritual fortification, peace, and courage. This sacrament is for anyone suffering from serious illness, injury, or old age, and it offers forgiveness of sins. While physical healing may occur if it's God's will, the primary effect is spiritual.

The ritual involves the priest laying hands on the person, anointing their forehead and hands with blessed oil (the oil of the sick), and praying for healing. This sacrament aims for spiritual healing, but can also bring physical healing if it is God's will, and can be received multiple times throughout a person's life (Catholic Central, 2018). Historically seen as a "last rite" for the dying, it was refocused by the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) to apply to anyone gravely ill, not just those near death (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2024).

In Orthodox

the Anointing of the Sick, also called Holy Unction, is a sacrament for healing the soul and body through prayer and anointing with holy oil. It provides spiritual strength, comfort, and forgiveness of sins, and is administered by a priest, or ideally a gathering of seven priests, who anoints the person's forehead and hands with oil. This sacrament is not just for those at death's door but for anyone suffering from serious illness or pain.  

In Protestant Denominations

The Anointing of the Sick is not exclusive to the Catholic Church; other Christian denominations. While practices may vary, the core elements remain: anointing with holy oil, accompanied by prayers for healing, strength, and comfort.

Anglicans, for many, the anointing of the sick is considered a sacrament, though some Anglicans only consider Baptism and Holy Communion to be sacraments while treating others as sacramental rites. The Anglican Communion offers rites for the anointing of the sick for spiritual and physical strengthening during illness (Toyad, 2020).

Lutherans, although they practice this teaching, but they do not consider it a sacrament, as they believe only baptism and holy communion were instituted by Christ. Though it is not a common practice in all Lutheran churches. It is viewed as a pastoral care practice that provides spiritual comfort, peace, and courage to the sick person. The practice of anointing has seen a significant revival in many Lutheran congregations since the mid-20th century, in part due to greater ecumenical dialogue with other Christian traditions. ‌(Schiefelbein-Guerrero, K., n.d.)

Methodists, also have rites of anointing of the sick, but it is a prayer-based healing ministry that involves anointing a person with oil to express compassion and hope, grounded in James 5:14. This practice invokes God's healing love and the power of the Holy Spirit to bring spiritual and physical wholeness, though it is seen as a supplement to medical treatment, not a replacement. The service often includes prayer, scripture, and a laying on of hands, culminating in the anointing of the forehead with oil (Discipleship Ministries, 2009).

Conclusion

Whether or not a miracle occurs, the faithful response is one of praise and trust in God's will. Anointing of the Sick emphasizes faith and spiritual well-being over whether a physical miracle occurs. While the sacrament is a source of spiritual comfort, healing, and forgiveness, its primary importance lies in strengthening the recipient's faith and providing God's grace, regardless of the physical outcome. If a miracle does happen, it is a cause for praise to God, but the sacrament's value is not dependent on it. 

References

Catholic Central (2018, July 31). Anointing of the Sick. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9Ujmdo8Aio

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024). Anointing of the Sick | USCCB. Www.usccb.org. https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/anointing-of-the-sick

Toyad, A. T. (2020, February 27). Seven Sacraments of the Anglican Church. Owlcation. https://owlcation.com/humanities/Seven-Sacraments-of-the-Anglican-Church

‌Schiefelbein-Guerrero, K (n.d.). “Receive this oil as a sign of forgiveness and healing”: A Brief History of the Anointing of the Sick and Its Use in Lutheran Worship.

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Discipleship Ministries (2009, July 8). Healing Ministry and Worship. https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/healing-ministry-and-worship

Catholic Answers. (2018). Anointing of the Sick. Catholic Answers. https://www.catholic.com/tract/anointing-of-the-sick

‌BibleRef.com (2020). What does Matthew 4:23 mean? https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/4/Matthew-4-23.html

Disclaimer 

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect the views of any religious organization or denomination. This article is for religious and educational purposes only.

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